Kraft split might cost up to 2 billion euro

Kraft's planned split in two divisions may cost up to 2 billion euro, said the company in its press release of the 2011 financial results. Meanwhile, Belgian workers agreed to a compromise to save 20 jobs - at the cost of 79 others.

Expensive, but necessary, operation

Last August, Kraft announced it would separate the global snack
activities from the group into an entity that would receive its
definitive name in March. The new company would hold brands like LU,
Côte d'Or, Trident and Cadbury; the small part of Kraft Foods that
remains will carry the likes of Philadelphia and Capri Sun.

The whole operation could cost up to 2 billion euro: Kraft estimates
that the reorganisation itself might cost 1.2 to 1.4 billion, while
refinancing might lead to an extra cost of 300 to 600 million. In
addition – or compensation – to that, 1,600 jobs will be cut in the US.
The reorganisation is meant to make sure both separate companies will be
able to reach their full potential.

Q4 saw profit go up 53.7%

Kraft's fourth quarter was a strong one, elevating its turnover to 14.7
billion dollar (11 billion euro; + 6.6%). The group's net profit rose
to 830 million dollar (630 million euro; +53.7%) because of a series of
cost-cutting measures.

For the whole year, Kraft's total turnover was 54.4 billion dollar (41 billion euro; +10.5%). “We delivered terrific results in 2011, and our businesses are healthier
than ever due to the disciplined execution of our strategy,” said CEO
Irene Rosenfeld, Chairman. “We expect to deliver top-tier growth in
2012, in line with our long-term targets.”

Chokotoff production stays in Belgium

In the Belgian factory at Halle, workers have agreed to the compromise
of keeping the production of Chokotoff and watching two other production
lines (Bouchées and Mignonettes) leave to Eastern Europe.

Kraft's original plan was to remove the three products from Halle (near
Brussels), at a cost of 99 jobs. The compromise saves 20 jobs from being
cut, and guarantees the 420 people in the factory they can continue to
work until at least 2015.

On Friday 15 September, H&M Group’s new store formula opens its doors on the Guldenvlieslaan in Brussels. The press got a sneak preview and discovered a surprising mixture of fashion, interior design and food.

American fashion chain Nordstrom is to trial a new store formula in Los Angeles next month, in which customers will only be able to get advice and try out clothing. Purchases can be picked up at the store at a later date.

Irish fashion chain Primark takes full advantage of the weak British economy, which prompted its parent company AB Foods to adjust its full-year forecast. The chain will also continue its expansion plans.

Government investment fund Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) will invest 15 million euro in fashion group FNG in return for 5 % of its shares. The money will go towards international expansion.

American fashion company Gap will alter its internal strategy and turn its attention to Old Navy and Athleta. Gap and Banana Republic, which both received the most attention up until now, will have to step aside.

Global Fashion Group, the fashion group founded by investment group Kinnevik and Rocket Internet, managed to lower its losses even more in the second quarter. On top of that, turnover grew more than 25 %.